Nani: Only Guardiola, Mourinho can succeed Ferguson

 Nani believes only two men are capable of succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson.

Nani believes the current managers of Barcelona and Real Madrid are the obvious candidates to continue the Scot’s success at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese international said: “It would have to be someone who can keep the quality high like he has. It would have to be one of the best in the world like Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.

“It would have to be a very top coach. It’s not easy doing what he’s done at this club.”

Nani reveals he gets Sir Alex Ferguson's hairdryer treatment 'a lot'

 Nani has admitted that he finds himself on the end of manager Sir Alex Ferguson's infamous hairdryer "a lot" and that "it's normal".

The Portuguese winger has had big boots to fill since the world record departure of his fellow international team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid and knows that his boss wants more out of him if he is to fill the void.

And the 25-year-old has performed admirably since stepping up, scoring eight times this season alone, yet the former Sporting Lisbon man still finds himself on the end of the hairdryer.

In an interview with Betfair Facebook he said: "I get it a lot, it's normal.

"He expects more from me, so sometimes he comes to me and says something."

Ferguson is famed for is man-management style and Nani appreciates everything he learns from the 70-year-old.

He continued: "No-one understands it like Alex Ferguson. Everyone knows him in Portugal, and talk a lot talk about him.

"Everyone knows the way he works is fantastic and the young lads improve a lot."

Midfield maestro Paul Scholes made a surprise decision to come out of retirement six months after initially hanging up his boots and Nani rates him as one of the greatest.

He added: "He is one of the best players I've played with in my life. The quality he gives the team is fantastic."

Scholes made a scoring return in the previous fixture against Bolton and could be involved against Arsenal on Sunday, the first time the two have met since the 8-2 win at Old Trafford back in August.

And Michael Carrick believes that revenge may be on the minds of the Gunners and that it will be a "massive game".

He said: "They didn't start the season too well but they are still up there.

"Arsenal against Manchester United is always a massive game. They will want to win and so will we."

The race for the title could be blown wide open on Sunday as Manchester City take on Tottenham before United face the Gunners.

As both the Blues and Spurs are in the mix for the title along with United, Sunday could prove vital in who eventually holds the Premier League aloft come May.

Carrick added: "Manchester City have done well.

"You have to give them credit. They set an early pace, had a funny Christmas period, and have now bounced back.

"It's close at the moment, so we want to catch up with them. The bar has been raised this year."

Bayern Munich tried for Man Utd winger Nani

Bayern Munich admit they've tried to sign Nani.

Bayern have revealed they tried to nick Nani from Old Trafford, but Manchester United priced him out of a move to the German giants.

Bayern chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “We had an interest in Nani, but unfortunately the price went up and up, so he was too expensive.”

No chance Man Utd boss Ferguson will allow Nani be sold

Manchester United will not consider offers for star winger Nani.

The Manchester Evening News says United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will slap a ‘not for sale’ sign on Manchester United winger Nani to put off Europe’s top clubs from making a swoop for the Portuguese star.

The Reds manager has worked hard on transforming Nani from a frustrating starlet into one of the Premier League’s top performers.

That has alerted clubs from Italy and Spain, who are ready to pounce for a player, who is out of contract in 2014.

Inter Milan, AC Milan and Juventus are all monitoring the 24-year-old, while he has also been linked with a move to Real Madrid – following in the footsteps of former United team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo.

But Ferguson sees Nani as a key figure at Old Trafford, along with Wayne Rooney, as the players he wants to build his last great team around.

Italian trio convinced Nani can be prised away from Man Utd

Manchester United face a battle to keep hold of star winger Nani.

The Sunday Mirror says Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan will all look to lure the Portuguese winger away from Old Trafford in the summer when he will have two years left on his United contract.

All three believe that the 24-year-old is looking for a new challenge after ­spending the last six years in ­England.

Nani has become one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s key ­performers over the past two seasons, but his form this term has been less ­consistent and the presence of Ashley Young, Antonio Valencia and Ryan Giggs at the club means United have no shortage of options on the flank.

Sources in Italy believe Nani can be prised away from United for around £30million.

He signed a four-year ­contract at Old Trafford in March 2010, but still lags behind their very ­top ­earners.

Queiroz was nervous over recommending Nani to Man Utd

Carlos Queiroz was bricking it over his recommendation of Nani to Manchester United.

Aurelio Pereira took a call from Queiroz upon he and chief executive David Gill touching down in Lisbon.

"Carlos was in a hotel in Lisbon," recalls Pereira to the Daily Mail, the 64-year-old is head of Sporting's scouting network who is revered in Portugal for unearthing stars like Luis Figo, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paulo Futre and Ricardo Quaresma but rarely speaks publicly about his proteges.

"He wanted to know about Nani's mentality and if he could handle the pressure of playing for United.

"He didn't want to know if he had good feet. He knew all about that. He wanted to know about his personality, how he could cope with a different country and a different team.

"'It was a big responsibility for Carlos because it was a 25m euro deal and he wanted to be absolutely sure. I calmed him and said that, yes, he was buying a complete player."

Man Utd boss tips even more to come from Nani

Sir Alex Ferguson believes winger Nani will start to produce even more for Manchester United.

The Portugal international is beginning to emerge as one of the clubs key players with 19 goals and 34 assists in 100 appearances for the Old Trafford outfit.

After his cracking goal in the 3-1 win over Chelsea on Sunday, Fergie says Nani’s best is still to come.

"Nani's marvellous, he was brilliant today, absolutely brilliant," Ferguson told MUTV after the game.

"He's a terrific player, the lad, and he's starting to mature. We're going to get the best years out of him, no doubt."

Revealed: Ferguson signed Nani expecting to sell Real Madrid star Ronaldo

Sir Alex Ferguson admits he was planning for Cristiano Ronaldo's departure when first signing Nani.

Ronaldo left United last summer in a world record £80 million move for Real Madrid.

“Cristiano had two years left, I think, when we let him go,” said Ferguson. “We had him for six years and the issue is how long do you think you’re going to keep European players?

“We like to think they’d stay here forever, and some have been very good that way. But with Cristiano, he’d always had this dream he wanted to play for Real Madrid. He fulfilled part of his dream by playing for Manchester United for six years and then he wanted to do the same with Real Madrid. I understood that part because he was a fantastic professional for me.

“Even though he wanted to go to Real Madrid the previous year, it didn’t stop him from being a top player. Everything was perfect with the boy, he was a professional right down to his bootlaces.

“You have to plan ahead. We looked ahead and got Nani. You can only do your best in terms of preparing for the inevitable and make sure you’re stocked up with enough players to compensate for it.”

Nani to be inspired by competition at Man Utd

Nani will be fighting for first-team spot at Manchester United this season as the competition for places becomes more intense.

The arrival of Ashley Young from Aston Villa together with Antonio Valencia and Danny Welbeck are all competing for a wide berth with Nani.

"The competition is good," he said.

"It inspires you. If you have competition, you will train harder and push yourself in every game.

"At Manchester United, you have to be ready every time you go on the field."

The 24-year-old contributed nine goals and 18 assists - the highest in the league - to United's record 19th championship triumph but still recognises there is a challenge to remain a part of the first team plans.

"Of course I can get better," he said.

"That is what I am trying to do. It is not easy but it is what I look to achieve every year.

"If I can get more goals and more assists, that will be good for the team and help us in all the competitions we are going for."

Neville: Nani, Young can play in same team

Gary Neville insists Nani and Ashley Young can play in the same team.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson's acquisition of Young from Aston Villa last month led to questions being raised as to whether fellow winger Nani - who enjoyed his most impressive campaign to date for the Red Devils in 2010-11 - might look to move on from Old Trafford.

Asked if he was surprised Ferguson had recruited Young in light of Nani's form last term, Neville said: "Not really, because you look at last year when Antonio Valencia got injured.

"He was out for about six months and then, particularly when Park Ji-sung went away to play in the Asian Cup, we really were at times short on the ground in those positions.

"Ashley Young is someone who can play left and right and off the front - so can Nani and so can Park.

"There are plenty enough positions and games for them to share around."

Nani: Barcelona interest does make you think

Nani admits being flattered this week with reports linking him to Barcelona.

However, Nani has reaffirmed his commitment to United.

"It is absolutely certain that I'll stay in Manchester. The interest of these clubs [Barcelona] makes all players think, but right now I'm at the best club in the world.

"I am happy and not thinking about leaving."

Ferguson ponders selling Nani to Italian club

Sir Alex Ferguson is weighing up selling winger Nani to Italy this summer.

The Manchester Evening News says Italian giants Inter Milan and Juventus are set to go head-to-head in a bid to land the 24-year-old Portuguese winger.

Inter hold the ace in the battle of the Serie A clubs knowing that the Reds are keen to make Wesley Sneijder their big name import during the close season.

Securing the services of the Dutch playmaker and using Nani as bait plus £10million would be sound business.

However, Juventus are planning a £100m-plus squad rebuild and coach Antonio Conte sees Nani as a £25m injection to reinvigorate the Old Lady.

Man Utd willing to sell Nani to Real Madrid

Nani's future is in doubt at Man Utd.

The Sunday Mirror says the Portuguese winger is unhappy that United have ­refused to offer him an ­improvement on the £70,000-a-week contract ­extension that he signed last March.

And with United set to ­complete the ­£15million ­signing of Ashley Young from Aston Villa now that the winger has ­returned from ­international duty with England, Sir Alex ­Ferguson could cash in on the 24-year-old if Real Madrid firm up interest in him by lodging a bid.

Nani was ­bitterly disappointed that ­Ferguson left him out of his team to face ­Barcelona in the ­Champions League last week at the end of a ­season which saw him named United’s Player of the Year.

Ferguson opted for the ­industry of Antonio Valencia and Ji-sung Park on the flanks instead of the creativity of the Portuguese international.

Nani has found himself ­increasingly marginalised on the substitutes’ bench since Valencia returned to full ­fitness following an horrific broken leg he suffered early in the season.

United value Nani at £40m.

Nani and Chicharito win Manchester United Player of the Year awards!

Nani and Javier Hernandez have picked up Manchester United's Player of the Year awards.

Portugal international Nani won the club's Players' Player of the Year prize after scoring nine goals and setting up a further 18 in the Premier League this season, helping the club to a record 19th title.

Rio Ferdinand was quick to congratulate his team-mate onTwitter, revealing that he had voted for the former Sporting Lisbon man.

“I voted for Nani for my player of the year, 18 assists+about 10goals speaks for itself! Well done @luisnani on players player of year award!,” Ferdinand wrote.

Nani has found greater consistency than in previous campaigns, a factor he alluded to when picking up his honour.

“This has been my most consistent season for United,” said the 24-year-old, who almost beat Hernandez to the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year award, which is voted for by fans, but fell just one per cent short in the vote.

“Every year I’ve been here I have improved and this one was fantastic for me. I created a lot of goals and scored more than last season, so I’m very happy. I hope to do even better next season.”

Hernandez won his award after a debut season in which he notched 13 Premier League goals, with highlights being his first-minute opener against title rivals Chelsea and an audacious header away at Stoke City.

The Mexican picked up 21% of the vote, and said upon receiving his award: "I dreamt about playing for Manchester United and thought perhaps in my first season I’d play for the Reserves with maybe a few minutes in the first team. But thanks to the boss and all my team-mates I have played a little bit more!”

Upon news of the youngster’s success, Ferdinand tweeted: “Chicharito won fans player of the year...fully deserved, has fitted in so well here + scored many vital goals. Huge future!”

Other award winners on the night were Ryan Tunnicliffe, who picked up the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year for helping United to the Youth Cup Final, and Oliver Gill, who received the title of Reserve Player of the Year 2011.

Mourinho assigning super agent, Mendes to land Man Utd star Nani

Real Madrid are being linked with winger Nani.

Gazzetta dello Sport says Real boss Mourinho has his eye on the Portuguese wide man and will ask super agent Jorge Mendes - who also represents Mourinho and Cristiano Ronaldo - to push through the deal.

Mendes has done many deals with Portuguese-based players and United, having overseen the deals that first brought Ronaldo, Nani and Anderson to Old Trafford.

He also engineered Ronaldo's record £80m switch to Real from Manchester United in 2009 and Mourinho is now hoping he can capture Nani for him.

Inter Milan demand Man Utd include Nani in any Sneijder offer!!

Inter Milan are insisting Nani be included in any offer from Manchester United for Wesley Sneijder.

United boss Sir Alex wants to bring the Dutchman to Old Trafford as a replacement for veteran midfielder Paul Scholes.

Sneijder is aware of developments and open to a move to United.

Globoesporte says Inter are open to doing business - if United include star winger Nani in a swap for Sneijder.

United boss Sir Alex is expected to give the proposal short shrift given Nani's form this season.

Nani assures Man Utd fans: I will stay

Nani has assure Manchester United fans he is fully committed to the cause.

The Portugal winger was reported to be in talks with his minders about moving to Italy either this summer or next.

Nani is aware of the claims - and has rubbished them this morning on Twitter.

He tweeted: "I've seen some false reports on the press. I want you to know that you will hear the truth from me. Love MU"

Unhappy Nani in quit threat over pay rise!!

Manchester United are facing a battle to keep star winger Nani.

The Portuguese flier, surprisingly fit for tonight's Champions League clash with Marseille, wants to discuss a new contract and wage rise on the back of his sparkling season.

But that has already been rejected and Nani, 24, has already told close friends he is considering a new challenge.

He is just a year into a new four-year contract signed last March.

That raised his wages to around £65,000 at a time when he was nowhere near as influential as he is now.

The player's representatives now believe he should be among the top-paid players at the club.They would not expect him to get the £250,000 a week Wayne Rooney earns, but nearer the £100,000 the likes of Dimitar Berbatov pick up.

But the club have told Nani's people there is no way they will be renegotiating with three years left on his current deal.

Nani, who has quickly recovered from a badly gashed leg, has told friends he is interested in a move to Italy while Real Madrid have long admired him and would also be interested.

Man Utd furious with Liverpool pair Gerrard, Carragher over Nani crock

Manchester United refused Jamie Carragher entry to their dressing room at Liverpool on Sunday.

The Telegraph says Carragher was refused entry to the Manchester United dressing-room on Sunday after attempting to apologise for the challenge which left Nani with a gash so deep that the winger’s shin bone was visible through the open wound.

Although Carragher made efforts to show his remorse for the injury suffered by Nani, United’s coaching staff turned the 33 year-old away due to the anger within the United camp, not only with the challenge, but Phil Dowd’s failure to dismiss the former England defender.

Steven Gerrard’s actions in urging the injured Nani to "get up" while he lay on the ground with the injury clearly visibly also infuriated United’s players and staff.

Nani to be missing three weeks

Nani faces three weeks on the sidelines.

The Sun says Nani will be out for at least three matches after being cut to the bone by Jamie Carragher.

Shocked Manchester United medical staff could not believe the depth of the gash to Nani's left leg inflicted by the Liverpool star's horror tackle in Sunday's 3-1 Kop win at Anfield.

The cut, pouring blood, saw the player carried off in tears on a stretcher.

Bruising is so bad it has been impossible to assess the full extent of the injury. And the big problem now with such a deep wound is the possibility of the stitches bursting.

United believe Nani will miss a month's action - Saturday's home FA Cup clash with Arsenal, the Champions League return against Marseille and a Prem trip to Bolton.

After a week of international dates, United hope he will fit to return to face West Ham on April 2.